In-device coexistence for new radio

ABSTRACT

A network control device, e.g., a gNB, receives a message from a communications device, e.g. a UE, indicating that the communications device is experiencing an in-device coexistence (IDC) problem, e.g. in the 52.6 GHz-71 GHz frequency range with respect to NR-U and WiGig. The message is one of: i) an IDC assistance message indicating that the victim system is Wi-Gig or ii) an antenna panel switch message requesting that the network control device instruct the communications device to change the antenna panel that it uses for uplink NR signaling. The network control device generates and sends a response message to the communications device including: a selected new frequency to be used by the communications device for uplink NR signaling or a selected different antenna panel to be used by the communications device for uplink NR signaling. The communications device implements the change reducing or avoiding the IDC problem.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/175,389 filed Feb. 12, 2021 and which is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present application relates to wireless communications methods andapparatus, and more particularly for method and apparatus for reducingor avoiding in-device coexistence (IDC) problems, e.g., in the frequencyrange of 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.

BACKGROUND

A Release-17 Study Item (Rel-17 SI) on extending New Radio (NR)operation to the frequency range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz has been in progresssince May 2020. This SI targets utilization of the very wide unlicensedand licensed spectrum bandwidths in this frequency range.

The SI objectives include: i) the study of required changes in NR usingexisting downlink/uplink (DL/UL) NR waveform to support operationbetween 52.6 GHz and 71 GHz including the study of applicable numerologysubcarrier spacing (SCS), channel bandwidth (BW) including maximum BW,and their impact to frequency range 2 (FR2) physical layer design tosupport system functionality considering practical radio frequency (RF)impairments, and ii) identify potential critical problems to physicalsignal/channels, if any.

The frequency range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz is also used by other radioaccess technologies such as 802.11ad and 802.11 ay.

There is a separate Rel-17 work item (WI) on Further enhanced MultipleInput Multiple Output (FeMIMO) that covers multi-panel (MP) userequipment (UE) enhancements. A UE panel comprises a collection oftransceiver units (TXRUs) that is able to generate one analog beam (onebeam may correspond to two antenna ports if dual-polarized array isused). UE panels can constitute the same as well as different numbers ofantenna elements and ports, number of beams and Effective IsotropicRadiated Power (EIRP). For facilitating fast uplink panel selection, thefollowing use cases are assumed: Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)mitigation, UE power saving, UL interference management, supportdifferent configurations across panels and UL multi-Total Radiated Power(mTRP).

Both Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) support in-devicecoexistence (IDC) mechanisms for a UE equipped with multiple radiotransceivers that are physically proximate and operate on adjacentfrequencies or sub-harmonic frequencies. The interference power comingfrom a transmitter of the collocated radio may be much higher than theactual received power level of the desired signal for a receiver, evenafter filtering. The UE invokes IDC reporting to its serving basestation via dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling when itcannot solve the IDC issue by itself. For example, a Rel-16 NR UE canreport IDC issues with Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth, orGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radios such as GlobalPositioning System (GPS).

In LTE, when notified of IDC problems, the eNB can choose to apply aFrequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) solution or a Time DivisionMultiplexing (TDM) solution, as shown in drawing 100 of FIG. 1. Drawing100 of FIG. 1 shows LTE IDC phases. In step 102 the UE detects start ofIDC interference and LTE IDC phase 1 103 begins. In step 104 the UEinitiates the transmission of an IDC indication to an eNB and LTE IDCphase 2 105 starts. In step 106 the eNB provides a solution that solvedthe IDC problem and LTE IDC phase 3 107 starts.

The basic concept of a FDM solution is to move the LTE signal away fromthe Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) band by, e.g., performinginter-frequency handover within E-UTRAN, removing SCells from the set ofserving cells or de-activation of affected SCells, or in the case ofuplink CA operation, allocating uplink Physical Resource Block (PRB)resources on Component Carrier(s) (CC(s)) whose inter-modulationdistortion and harmonics does not fall into the frequency range of thevictim system receiver. The basic concept of a TDM solution is to ensurethat transmission of a radio signal does not coincided with reception ofanother radio signal. LTE Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mechanism isused to provide TDM patterns (i.e. periods during which the LTE UE maybe scheduled or is not scheduled) to resolve the IDC issues. DRX basedTDM solution should be used in a predictable way, i.e., the eNB shouldensure a predictable pattern of unscheduled periods by means of, e.g.,DRX mechanism or de-activation of affected SCells.

In the case of NR, the FDM solution from LTE is adopted. The NR UEindicates the affected frequencies to the network, which can then takefurther action to alleviate the solution. For the frequencies on which aserving cell of serving cells is configured that is activated, IDCproblems consist of interference issues that the UE can solve by itself,during either active data exchange or upcoming data activity which isexpected in up to a few hundred milliseconds. TheUEAssistanceInformation RRC message is used or the indication of NR UEassistance information to the network, including IDC issues. Drawing 200of FIG. 2 shows the UEAssistanceInformation RRC message format. FIG. 3provides UEAssistanceInformation field descriptions in table 300.

RF IDC challenges with two transceivers WI-Gig and 60 GHz NewRadio-Unlicensed (NR-U) will now be described. A typical UE architecturecontaining a WLAN WI-Gig module and a 60 GHz NR-U transceiver will haveindependent antenna arrays. The antenna isolation can be as low as 10 dBor higher depending on beam forming. The lower the isolation, thegreater the inter-system interference. Some architectures will have twosets of antenna arrays, one for vertical polarization and another onefor horizontal polarization (dual polarization). Antenna arrays can have64-256 antenna elements. For 17-27 dBm power output, the module can have16-64 Power Amplifiers (PAs). Spec can be 1 W/PA element.

FIG. 4 includes drawing 400 which illustrates a typical UE architectureblock diagram 402 for a transmit/receive (TR) Block and an exploded viewdrawing 402′ of the TR block 402. The TR block 402 includes digital toanalog converters (DACs) 407, mixers 407, a transmit phase array 404, ananalog to digital converter (ADC) 409, a mixer 411, and a receive phasearray 406. The transmit phase array 404 includes, an active and passivepower splitter 408, phase shifters 410, power amplifiers 412 and antennaarray 414 including a plurality of antennas 416, and a serial peripheralinterface (SPI) controller 418 for controlling the PAs 412 and the phaseshifters 410. The receive phase array 406 includes antenna array 426including a plurality of antennas 428, low noise amplifiers (LNAs) 424,phase shifters 422, an active and passive combiner 420, and an SPIcontroller 430 for controlling the LNAs 424 and the phase shifters 422.Antenna isolation will be established between antenna phase arrays.

FIG. 5 illustrates an integrated phase array transceiver 500. Integratedphase array transceiver 500 includes assembly of components 501, antennasubmodule controller 502 and external synthesizer 508 coupled togetheras shown. Assembly of components 501 includes a control and monitorinterface 504, a beam control interface 506, a local oscillator (LO)distribution/doubler 510, upconverters 512, 514, downconverters 516,518, a 1:16 passive combiner/splitter 520, and sixteen TR blocks (522,524, 526, 528, 530, 532, 534, 536, 538, 540, 542, 544, 546, 548, 550,552).

IDC interference can vary depending on antenna array configuration,number of PA elements per module and polarization techniques, but if thechannelization assignment between NR-U and Wi-Gig are in closeproximity, this interference might not be mitigated based on the abovetechniques, hence a solution to Rel-16 NR is needed for 60 GHz for theUE to be able to report IDC issues to the gNB.

Another RF challenge for co-existence between WiGig and 60 GHz NR-U isthird order intermodulation (IM) or harmonic interference. Althoughsynchronized networks can avoid this condition, it is difficult in somecases to have these networks synchronized.

In the scenario of FIGS. 6 and 7, a few assumptions are made for NR-U,min channel bandwidth is 400 MHz. This will help in identifying thechannelization.

FIG. 6 is a drawing 600 including a first table 602 illustrating 60 GHzWiFi (Wi-Gig) channelization for 802.11ad and 802.11ay and a secondtable 604 illustrating 60 GHz NR-U channelization. First column 606 oftable 602 includes channel numbers; second column 608 of table 602includes center frequency (in GHz) for each channel; third column 610 oftable 602 includes Minimum (Min) frequency (in GHz) for each channel;fourth column 612 of table 602 includes Maximum (Max) frequency (in GHz)for each channel; and fifth column 614 of table 602 includes bandwidth(BW) (in GHz) for each channel.

First column 656 of table 604 includes channel numbers; second column658 of table 604 includes center frequency (in GHz) for each channel;third column 660 of table 604 includes Minimum (Min) frequency (in GHz)for each channel; fourth column 662 of table 604 includes Maximum (Max)frequency (in GHz) for each channel; and fifth column 664 of table 604includes bandwidth (BW) (in GHz) for each channel.

FIG. 7 includes a table 700 including various combinations of WiGigchannels and NR-U channels of FIG. 6 and further illustrating NRharmonics falling in the Wi-Gig band as a result of a third orderinter-modulation distortion (IMD) mechanism giving rise to inter-systeminterference.

Column 706 includes frequency 1 (f1) values, which is the centerfrequency for channel 1 WiGig. Column 708 includes frequency 2 (f2)values, which are the center frequencies corresponding to various NR-Uchannels (Ch 1-Ch 23). Column 710 includes values for 2×f2−f1. Column712 includes values for 2×f1−f2.

Column 714 includes frequency 1 (f1) values, which is the centerfrequency for channel 2 WiGig. Column 716 includes frequency 2 (f2)values, which are the center frequencies corresponding to various NR-Uchannels (Ch 1-Ch 23). Column 718 includes values for 2×f2−f1. Column720 includes values for 2×f1−f2.

Column 722 includes frequency 1 (f1) values, which is the centerfrequency for channel 3 WiGig. Column 724 includes frequency 2 (f2)values, which are the center frequencies corresponding to various NR-Uchannels (Ch 1-Ch 23). Column 726 includes values for 2×f2−f1. Column728 includes values for 2×f1−f2.

Column 730 includes frequency 1 (f1) values, which is the centerfrequency for channel 4 WiGig. Column 732 includes frequency 2 (f2)values, which are the center frequencies corresponding to various NR-Uchannels (Ch 1-Ch 23). Column 734 includes values for 2×f2−f1. Column736 includes values for 2×f1−f2.

Items indicated in table 700 with an “*” are NR harmonics falling in theWi-Gig band as a result of a third order intermodulation distortion(IMD) mechanism giving rise to inter-system interference.

A NR UE equipped with two transceivers in the 60 GHz band, such as IEEE802.11ad/ay radios and NR operating in 52.6-71 GHz, may perceive IDCissues due to adjacent frequencies or sub-harmonic frequencies. NR doesnot currently support reporting of IDC issues with 802.11 ad/ay (WiGig).Based on the above discussion there is a need for new methods andapparatus to provide solutions with regard to IDC issues for thisfrequency band.

SUMMARY

Various method and apparatus, in accordance with the present invention,are directed to features to enhance new radio in-device coexistence (NRIDC) mechanisms in the frequency range 52.6 GHz-71 GHz. Variousexemplary method and apparatus, in accordance with the presentinvention, are well suited for using in both a phone form-factor userequipment (UE) and an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) node with UEfunctionality.

A communications device, e.g. a UE with two transceivers, e.g. a WiGigtransceiver and a 60 GHz NR-U transceiver, which detects an in-devicecoexistence (IDC) problem which it can not solve on its own, generatesand sends a message to a network control device. The network controldevice, e.g. a gNB, receives the message from the communications device,e.g. UE, indicating that the communications device is experiencing anin-device coexistence (IDC) problem, e.g. in the 52.6 GHz-71 GHzfrequency range with respect to NR-U and WiGig. The message is one of:i) an IDC assistance message indicating that the victim system is Wi-Gigor ii) an antenna panel switch message requesting that the networkcontrol device instruct the communications device to change the antennapanel that it uses for uplink NR signaling. In some embodiments, thecommunications device further communicates information, e.g.,communications device preferred frequency or frequencies to use,communications device power amplifier (PA) characteristic information,and/or communications device preferred antenna panel or panels to switchto, to assist the network control device in making a decision. Thenetwork control device generates and sends a response message to thecommunications device including: a selected new frequency to be used bythe communications device for uplink NR signaling or a selecteddifferent antenna panel to be used by the communications device foruplink NR signaling. The communications device implements the change inaccordance with the response message, e.g., switching to a new NR uplinkfrequency or switching to a different antenna panel for uplink NRsignaling, thus reducing or avoiding the previously detected IDCproblem. Changing the frequency used if a frequency solution to thedetected IDC problem. Changing the antenna panel is a spatial solutionto the detected IDC problem.

An exemplary communications method, in accordance with some embodiments,comprises: operating a network control device, e.g. gNB, to monitor formessages; and receiving, at the network control device, a firstin-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a firstcommunications device, e.g., first UE, that detected an in-devicecoexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating a wigigvictim type.

An exemplary communications method, in accordance with some embodiments,comprises: operating a network control device, e.g. gNB, to monitor formessages; and receiving, at the network control device (e.g., gNB), apanel switch message from a communications device, e.g., UE, thatsupports space division multiplexing via the use of multiple antennapanels, said panel switch message including: i) a request that thenetwork control device switch the antenna panel being used, by thecommunications device, for uplink communications between thecommunications device and the network control device or ii) anotification that the communications device is switching the antennapanel being used, by the communications device, for uplinkcommunications between the communications device and the network controldevice.

While various features discussed in the summary are used in someembodiments it should be appreciated that not all features are requiredor necessary for all embodiments and the mention of features in thesummary should in no way be interpreted as implying that the feature isnecessary or critical for all embodiments.

Numerous aspects, features, and variations on the above describedmethods and apparatus are discussed in the detailed description whichfollows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates that in LTE, when notified of IDC problems, the eNBcan choose to apply a Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) solution ora Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) solution.

FIG. 2 shows the Release-16 NR UEAssistanceInformation RRC messageformat.

FIG. 3 provides UEAssistanceInformation field descriptions correspondingthe Release-16 NR UEAssistanceInformation RRC message format shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical UE architecture block diagram for a TRBlock.

FIG. 5 illustrates an integrated phase array transceiver.

FIG. 6 includes a first table illustrating WiFi channelization for802.11ad and 802.11ay (WiGig) and a second table illustratingchannelization for NR-U.

FIG. 7 includes a table including various combinations of WiFi channelsand NR-U channels of FIG. 6 and further illustrating NR harmonicsfalling in the Wi-Gig band as a result of a third order inter-modulationdistortion (IMD) mechanism giving rise to inter-system interference.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating format of an exemplary novelUEAssistanceInformation message in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating auser equipment (UE), in which the UE detects an in-device coexistence(IDC) problem, generates and sends an IDC assistance message to anetwork control device, and receives a response message, said responsemessage commanding the UE to change a frequency used for uplink in NRspectrum, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which a multi-antenna panel userequipment (UE) detects an IDC problem, sends a panel change request to anetwork control device, receives a response instructing the UE to changethe antenna panel, and changes the antenna panel in accordance with theinstructions causing the IDC problem to be reduce or eliminated, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating a multi-paneluser equipment (UE), in which an antenna panel being used by the UE ischanged in response to a detected IDC problem to reduce or eliminate theIDC problem, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a first part of a flowchart of an exemplary method ofoperating a communications system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12B is a second part of a flowchart of an exemplary method ofoperating a communications system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12C is a third part of a flowchart of an exemplary method ofoperating a communications system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12D is a fourth part of a flowchart of an exemplary method ofoperating a communications system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12 comprises the combination of FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, FIG. 12C andFIG. 12D.

FIG. 13 is a drawing of an exemplary communications system in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a drawing of an exemplary network control device, e.g. a gNB,in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a drawing of an exemplary communications device, e.g. a userequipment (UE) device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a first part of an exemplary assembly of components whichmay be included in a network control device, e.g. a gNB, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16B is a second part of an exemplary assembly of components whichmay be included in a network control device, e.g. a gNB, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 comprises the combination of FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B.

FIG. 17A is a first part of an exemplary assembly of components whichmay be included in an exemplary communications device, e.g. a UE, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a second part of an exemplary assembly of components whichmay be included in an exemplary communications device, e.g. a UE, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 comprises the combination of FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment, in accordance with the present invention,introduces the changes necessary on higher level signaling(UEAssistanceInformation), e.g., includes a novelUEAssistanceInformation message, to report IDC issues with WiGig to thegNB in Rel-17. The gNB may, and sometimes does, respond to the UE bymoving NR operation to a new frequency using existing or new mechanisms.FIG. 8 is a drawing 800 illustrating format of an exemplary novelUEAssistanceInformation message. UEAssistanceInformation messageincludes new information 802 for reporting with respect to the 52.6GHz-71 GHz and include new victim type wigig 804.

In a further aspect of some embodiments, the UE may, and sometimes does,also indicate preferred new frequencies of operation, e.g. for its NRPSCell/SCells. The UE may, and sometimes does, also providecharacteristics of its power amplifier(s) (e.g., power coefficient andharmonic frequencies) to assist a network control device, e.g. a gNB, indetermining a new NR operating frequency. In some embodiments a list ofpreferred new frequencies of operation and/or characteristics of thepower amplifier(s) are further included in the UE Assistance informationmessage which reports IDC. In some other embodiments a list of preferrednew frequencies of operation and/or characteristics of the poweramplifier(s) are reported separately, e.g., in one or more additionalmessages, to the network control device, e.g. gNB, in addition to the UEAssistance information message which reports IDC, e.g., as supplementinformation to be used in selecting the new frequencies.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a flowchart 900 of an exemplary method ofoperating a user equipment (UE) device in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment. Operation starts in step 902 in which the UE is powered onand initialized. Operation proceeds from start step 902 to step 904. Instep 904 the UE monitors for an in-device coexistence issues infrequencies above 52.6 GHz. Step may, and sometimes does, include step906, in which the UE detects an in-device coexistence issue infrequencies above 52.6 GHz. Operation proceeds from step 906 to step908.

In step 908 the UE determines if the UE can resolve the IDC issue byitself. If the UE determines that it can resolve the IDC issue byitself, then operation proceeds from step 908 to step 910, in which theUE performs operations to resolve the IDC issue by itself. However, ifthe UE determines that it cannot resolve the IDC issue by itself, thenoperation proceeds from step 908 to step 912.

In step 912 the UE generates and IDC assistance message. Step 912includes step 914, and may, and sometimes does, include one or both ofsteps 916 and 918. In step 914 the UE device includes UE assistanceinformation including: an affected carrier list and victim system typeinformation identifying Wi-Gig (alternatively known as 60 GHz WiFi),e.g. UEAssistanceInformation-v1700 including:affectedCarrierCombList-r17, victimSystemType-r17 (wigig-r17), in theIDC assistance message. In step 916 the UE includes, in the IDCassistance message, information indicating preferred new frequencies ofoperation for its New Radio Primary Secondary Cell Group (SCG)Cell/Secondary Cells (NR PSCell/SCells). In step 918 the UE includes, inthe IDC assistance message, characteristics of the UE's power amplifier,e.g. power coefficients and harmonic frequencies. Operation proceedsfrom step 912 to step 920.

In step 920 the UE sends the generated IDC assistance message to anetwork control device, e.g. a gNB. Step 920 includes step 922 in whichthe UE transmits the generated message over a wireless link. Operationproceeds from step 920 to step 924, in which the network control device,e.g. gNB, receives the IDC assistance message and recovers thecommunicated information. Operation proceeds from step 924 to step 926.In step 936 the network control device, e.g. gNB, determines a new NRoperating frequency. In some embodiments, step 926 includes one or bothof steps 928 and 930. In step 928 the network control device, e.g. gNB,uses the received indicated preferred new frequencies of operation forthe UE's NR PSCell/SCells, in determining the new NR operating frequencyto be used by UE. In step 930 the network control device, e.g. gNB, usesthe received characteristics of the UE's power amplifier in determiningthe new NR operating frequency to be used by UE. Operation proceeds fromstep 932 to step 934.

In step 934 the network control device, e.g. gNB, sends the generatedresponse message to the UE. Operation proceeds from step 934 to step936. In step 936 the UE device monitors for a response message. Step 936may, and sometimes does, include step 938, in which the UE devicereceives a response message to the previously sent IDC assistancemessage, said response message including instructions, e.g. informationindicating the new frequency to be used by the UE with regard to NRuplink signaling, and information indicating when the switch is tooccur. Operation proceeds from step 938 to step 940. In step 940 the UEdevice follows the instructions in the received response message fromthe network control device, e.g. the UE switches to the indicated newfrequency for NR operation at the indicated time.

Operation proceeds from step 910 or step 940, via connecting node A 942,to the input of step 904.

A second exemplary embodiment includes a new mechanism for combating IDCfor a multi-panel UE. The UE request the network to move itstransmissions/receptions to one or more new UL panels. This is a spacedivision multiplexing (SDM) approach, in addition to the time divisionmultiplexing (TDM) and frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniquessupported in LTE and NR. The UE may, and sometimes does, further providethe suggested panel IDs of the new panels. The network responds byinitiating activation of a new UL panel(s). The net effect is to resolveIDC through increased antenna isolation. An example with a two-panel UE1002, which includes antenna panel A 1004 and antenna panel B 1006, isshown in drawing 1000 of FIG. 10. Drawing 1001 illustrates a first step1052 in which the UE 1002, which is using panel A 1004, as indicated bydotted shading, detects an in-device coexistence (IDC) issue with regardto using panel A 1004. Drawing 1003 illustrates a second step 1054 inwhich the UE 1002 requests the network to move it to a new UL panel, asindicated by arrow 1010. Drawing 1005 illustrates a third step 1056 inwhich the network moves the UE 1002 to panel B 1006, as indicated bydotted shading of panel B 1006, and the IDC issue is resolved.

FIG. 11 a flowchart 1100 of an exemplary method of operating amulti-panel UE in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In step 1102the UE is powered on and initialized. Operation proceeds from start step1102 to step 1104. In step 1104, which is performed repetitively on anongoing basis, the UE monitors for an in-device coexistence issue in thefrequencies above 52.6 GHz. Step 1104, may, and sometime does includestep 1106, in which the UE detects an in-device coexistence (IDC) issuein frequencies above 52.6 GHz. Operation proceeds from step 1106 to step1108.

In step 1108 the UE determines if the UE can resolve the IDC panel issueby itself. If the UE determines that it can resolve the IDC panel issueby itself, then operation proceeds from step 1108 to step 1110, in whichthe UE performs one or more operation to resolve the panel IDC issue byitself. In some embodiments, step 1110 includes operating the UE toswitch the antenna panel used for Wi-Gig to another antenna panel.

However, if the UE determines that it cannot resolve the panel IDC issueby itself, then operation proceeds from step 1108 to step 1112, in whichthe UE generates a panel switch request message. Operation proceeds fromstep 1112 to step 1114.

In step 1114 the UE device sends the generated panel switch requestmessage to a network control device, e.g., a gNB. In some embodiments,step 1114 includes step 1116 in which the UE transmits the generatedpanel switch request message over a wireless link. Operation proceedsfrom step 1114 to step 1118.

In step 1118 the network control device, e.g. gNB, receives the panelswitch request message and recovers the communicated information, e.g. arequest for a panel switch and optionally information indicated a UEpreferred panel or preferred set of panels to be used. Operationproceeds from step 1118 to step 1120. In step 1120 the network devicegenerates a response message, said response message being a response tothe panel switch request message. The response message includes, e.g.,information identifying a new panel or new set of panels to be used bythe UE and optionally information, indicating when the panel switch isto be implemented by the UE. Operation proceeds from step 1120 to step1122. In step 1122 the network control device sends the generatedresponse message to the UE. Operation proceeds from step 1122 to step1124.

In step 1124 the UE device monitors for a response message. Step 1124may, and sometimes does, include step 1126, in which the UE devicereceives a response message in response to the previously sent panelswitch request message and recovers the information communicated in theresponse message, e.g. information indicating that the switch request isbeing granted and instructions for implementing the switch includinginformation identifying the new panel or panels to be used andinformation identifying when to implement the switch. Operation proceedsfrom step 1126 to step 1128.

In step 1128 the UE device follows the instructions in the receivedpanel switch response message from the network control device, e.g.switching to the new panel or panels at the appropriate time.Subsequently, the new antenna panel or panels are used by the UE foruplink NR signaling. Operation proceeds from step 1110 or 1128, viaconnecting node A 1130, to step 1104.

FIG. 12, comprising the combination of FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, FIG. 12C andFIG. 12D, is a flowchart 1200, of an exemplary method of operating acommunications system, e.g., a communications system supportingcommunications within the frequency range of 52.6-71 GHz and in whichmultiple different communications networks, e.g., a WiGig network and aNR cellular network may operate concurrently, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. Operation starts in step 1202, in which thecommunications system is powered on and initialized. Operation proceedsfrom start step 1202 to step 1204.

In step 1204 a first communications device, e.g., a first user equipment(UE), detects an in-device coexistence (IDC) problem. The firstcommunications device includes multiple radio transceivers, and at leastone of the multiple radio transceivers is capable of operating at one ormore frequencies within a first frequency band, e.g., a frequency bandwith the range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz. In some embodiments, at least two ofthe multiple radio transceivers in the first communications device arecapable of operating at one or more frequencies within the firstfrequency band. Operation proceeds from step 1204 to step 1206.

In step 1206 the first communications device generates a first in-devicecoexistence (IDC) assistance message. Step 1206 includes step 1208, inwhich the first communications device includes, in the first IDCassistance message, information indicating a wigig victim type. In someembodiments, step 1206 includes one or both of steps 1210 and 1212. Instep 1210 the first communications device includes, in the first IDCassistance message, information indicating one or more new frequenciesthat the first communications device would prefer to use in a firstfrequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 to 71 GHz frequency band). In step1212 the first communications device includes, in the first IDCassistance message, UE power amplifier (PA) characteristic informationindicating one or more new characteristics of a power amplifier includedin the first communications device. Operation proceeds from step 1206 tostep 1214.

In step 1214 the first communications device transmits the generatedfirst IDC assistance message to a network control device, e.g. a gNB.Operation proceeds from step 1214 to step 1215. In step 1215 the networkcontrol device, e.g., gNB, is operated to monitor for messages.Operation proceeds from step 1215 to step 1216.

In step 1216 the network control device, e.g. a gNB, receives the firstIDC assistance message from the first communications device, e.g. firstUE, which detected an in-device coexistence problem, said first IDCassistance message indicating a wigig victim type. Step 1216 may, andsometimes does, include one or both of steps 1218 and 1220. In step 1218the network control device receives, in said first IDC assistancemessage, information indicating one or more new frequencies the firstcommunications device would prefer to use in a first frequency bane(e.g., within a 52.6-71 GHz frequency band.) In step 1220 the networkcontrol device receives, in said first IDC assistance message, UE poweramplifier (PA) characteristic information indicating one or morecharacteristics of a power amplifier included in the firstcommunications device. Operation proceeds from step 1216 to step 1222.

In step 1222 the network control device selects one or more newfrequencies to be used by the first communications device based oninformation included in the first IDC assistance message, said one ormore new frequencies differing in at least one frequency from one ormore frequencies in said first communications band that were being usedby the first communications device when the first communications devicedetected said in-device coexistence problem. In some embodiments, step1222 includes one or both of steps 1224 and 1226. In step 1224 the firstcommunications device selects at least one frequency indicates in thefirst IDC assistance message as a preferred frequency, as one of saidnew frequencies. In step 1226 the first communications device selects atleast some of the one or more frequencies to be included in the newfrequencies based on the power amplifier information included in thefirst IDC assistance message. Operation proceeds from step 1222, viaconnecting node A 1228, to step 1230.

In step 1230 the network control device generates, a response message tothe first communications device indicating the selected one or more newfrequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the firstcommunications device. Operation proceeds from step 1230 to step 1232.

In step 1232 the network control device transmits the generated responsemessage to the first communications device, said response messageindicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the firstcommunications band to be used by the first communications device.Operation proceeds from step 1232 to step 1234.

In step 1234 the first communications device receives the responsemessage sent from the network control device and recovers thecommunicated information, said response message being a response to thefirst IDC assistance message. Operation proceeds from step 1234 to step1236.

In step 1236 the first communications device transmits data using theone or more frequencies to the network control device, e.g., gNB, forforwarding to another communications device, e.g. a second UE, as partof a communications session between the first communications device,e.g., the first UE, and the another communications device, e.g., thesecond UE. Operation proceeds from step 1236 to step 1238.

In step 1238 the network control device, e.g., gNB, receives the datatransmitted by the first communications device and forwards, e.g. sends,the received data, e.g. via a communications network, e.g. a backhaulnetwork and/or the Internet (e.g., first and second UE are coupled todifferent gNBs), or over the air (e.g., first UE and second UE arecoupled to the same gNB), to another communications device, e.g., thesecond UE. Operation proceeds from step 1238, via connecting node B 1240to step 1242.

In step 1242 a second communications device, e.g., a UE including aplurality of antenna panels, detects an IDC problem which can beresolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplinkcommunications. Operation proceeds from step 1242 to step 1244. In step1244 the second communications device generates a panel switch message.In some embodiments, step 1244 includes steps 1246 and 1248. In step1246 the second communications device determines, e.g. based onknowledge of the available antenna panels at the second communicationsdevice and/or knowledge of the direction or sources of interferencecausing the IDC problem, one or more alternative antenna panels whichcan be used for uplink communications to avoid or reduce the detectedIDC problem. Operation proceeds from step 1246 to step 1248, in whichthe second communications device includes in the panel switch messageinformation indicating one or a set of antenna panels which can be usedby the second communications device to avoid or reduce the detected IDCproblem.

In some embodiments, step 1244 includes step 1250 in which the secondcommunications device includes, in the panel switch message, informationindicating one or a set of antenna panels that second communicationsdevice is recommending switching to (e.g., the second device makes panelswitch recommendations but the ultimate decision to perform a panelswitch is made by the network control device). In some embodiments, step1244 includes step 1252 in which the second communications deviceincludes, in the panel switch message, information indicating one or aset of antenna panels that second communications device is switching to(e.g., the second communications device, which has the authority to makeand implement panel switch decisions, is notifying the network controldevice that it is performing a panel switch operation). Operationproceeds from step 1244 to step 1254.

In step 1254 the second communications device transmits the generatedpanel switch message from the second communications device to thenetwork control device. Operation proceeds from step 1254 to step 1256.

In step 1256 the network control device, e.g. gNB, receives the panelswitch message from the second communications device, e.g. second UE,that supports space division via the use of multiple antenna panels,said panel switch message including: i) a request that the networkcontrol device switch the antennal being used by the secondcommunications device for uplink communications between the secondcommunications device and the network control device or ii) anotification that the second communications device is switching theantenna panel being used by the second communications device for uplinkcommunication between the second communications device and the networkcontrol device, to a second communications device selected antennapanel. In some embodiments, step 1256 includes one of step 1258 and1260. In step 1258 the network control device receives, in the panelswitch message, information indicating one or a set of antenna panelsthat the second communications device is recommending switching to(e.g., the second communications device has sent a recommendation of apanel switch to the network control device, but the network controldevice is the device with the authority to make panel switch decisionsand may, and sometimes does, act on the recommendation). In step 1260the network control device receives, in the panel switch message,information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the secondcommunications device is switching to (e.g., the second communicationsdevice, which has the authority, has made a panel switch decision andnotifies the network control device of the impending panel switch).

In some embodiments, e.g., an embodiment, in which the network controldevice is the device with the authority to make panel switch decisions,operation proceeds from step 1256, via connecting node C 1262 to step1264. In some embodiments, e.g., an embodiment, in which the secondcommunications device has the authority to make and implement panelswitch decisions, operation proceeds from step 1256, via connecting nodeC 1262 to step 1272.

Returning to step 1264, in step 1264 the network control device, inresponse to receiving the panel switch request, decides to switch thesecond communications device to a different antenna panel for uplinkcommunications. Step 1264 may, and sometimes does, includes step 1266 inwhich the network control device selects the antenna panel, to which thesecond communications device is to switch, from one or more of theantennal panels identified by the second communications device (ascandidates for the antenna panel switch), in said panel switch message.Operation proceeds from step 1264 to step 1268.

In step 1268 the network control device transmits, to the secondcommunications device, a switch instruction with an indication of theantenna panel to which the UE is to switch for uplink communications.Operation proceeds from step 1268 to step 1270.

In step 1270 the second communications device, receives the switchinstruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the secondUE is to switch for uplink communications. Operation proceeds from step1270 to step 1272.

In step 1272 the second communications device switches to one or morenew antenna panels, e.g., in accordance with its decision as to whichantenna panel to switch to, or in accordance with information in thereceived switch instruction from the network control device, e.g., gNB.Operation proceeds from step 1272 to step 1274. In step 1274 the secondcommunications device transmits uplink data to the network controldevice, e.g., the gNB, using the one or more new antenna panels. Forexample, the transmitted uplink data is data intended for anothercommunications device, which is in a communications session with thesecond communications device, and the network control device, e.g. gNB,is to forward the data toward the another communications device via abackhaul network and/or the Internet, or via a wireless downlink signalto the another communications device.

FIG. 13 is a drawing of an exemplary communications system 1300 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary communications system1300 includes a plurality of base station (NR base station 1 1302, e.g.,gNB 1 using NR-U spectrum, . . . , NR base station N 1304, e.g., gNB Nusing NR-U spectrum), each with a corresponding wireless coverage areas(1303, . . . , 1305), respectively, and a plurality network nodes(network node 1, e.g. a gateway node, . . . , network node M 1308, acore node), coupled together via backhaul network 1310 and coupled tothe Internet. The base stations (1302, . . . , 1304) are sometimesreferred to as network control devices. Exemplary communications system1300 further includes a plurality of WI-Gig access points (Wi-Gig AP 11312, Wi-Gig AP 2 1314, Wi-Gig AP 3 1316, Wi-Gig AP 4 1318, . . . ,WiGig AP M 1320), each with a corresponding wireless coverage area(1313, 1315, 1317, 1319, . . . , 1321) respectively. The Wi-Gig APs(1312, 1314, 1316, 1318, . . . , 1320) are coupled to the Internet viacommunications links (1340, 1342, 1344, 1346, . . . , 1348),respectively. Exemplary communications system 1300 further includes aplurality of user equipment devices (UE 1 1322, UE 2 1324, UE 3 1326, UE4 1328, UE 5 1330, UE 6 1332, UE 7 1334, . . . , UE n 1336).

The communications system 100 further includes a plurality of IAB nodeswith UE functionality (IAB node 1 1350, . . . , IAB node x 1352), whichare coupled to the Internet via communications links (1351, . . . ,1353), respectively.

At least some of the UEs are mobile devices which may move throughoutthe communications system 100 and attach to different base stationsand/or different APs at different times. At least some of the UEssupport concurrent communications with both a base station and an AP,and may, and sometimes do, experience an in-device co-existence problem,e.g., with regard to new radio-unlicensed (NR-U) 60 GHz communicationsand Wi-Gig (60 GHz WiFi) communications. At least some of the IABssupport concurrent communications with both a base station and an AP,and may, and sometimes do, experience an in-device co-existence problem,e.g., with regard to new radio-unlicensed (NR-U) 60 GHz communicationsand Wi-Gig (60 GHz WiFi) communications.

In some embodiments, a communications device, e.g. a UE, which detectsan IDC problem with regard to Wi-Gig, e.g., which it can not handle onits own, generates and sends an IDC assistance message to a networkcontrol device, e.g., a gNB, said IDC assistance message including: i)information identifying the problem frequency or frequencies, ii)information identifying the victim system as wigig, iii) (optionallyincluding) information identifying UE selected preferred frequencies,and iv) (optionally including) UE power amplifier characteristicinformation. The network control device, e.g., gNB, responds to the IDCassistance message with a response message indicating one or more newfrequencies to be used by the UE. The UE implements the change and usesthe new frequencies for UL NR signaling to the NR base station, thusreducing or eliminating the IDC problem.

In some embodiments, a communications device, e.g. a UE, includingmultiple switchable antenna panels (e.g., for UL NR transmissions in 60GHz NR spectrum) which detects an IDC problem with regard to Wi-Gig (60GHz WiFi), e.g., which it can not handle on its own, generates and sendsan panel switch request message to a network control device, e.g., agNB. In some embodiments, the panel switch request message includesinformation identifying a recommended panel or panels to which the UEwould like to be switched to. The network control device, e.g. gNB,receives the panel switch request message and sends a response, e.g., apanel switch instruction message, notifying the UE that the panel switchrequest is being granted, identifying the antenna panel or panels to beused following the switch, and indicating when the switch is to beimplemented. The UE implements the panel switch in accordance with thereceived instructions and uses the newly designated antenna panel(s) forUL NR signaling to the NR base station, thus reducing or eliminating theIDC problem.

FIG. 14 is a drawing of an exemplary network control device 1400, e.g. aNR base station, e.g. a gNB, supporting communications in frequencyrange of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.Network control device 1400, is, e.g. any of the base stations (basestation 1 1302, . . . , base station N 1304) of FIG. 13, and/or anetwork control device, e.g. gNB, implementing steps of any of themethods of flowchart 900 of FIG. 9, flowchart 1000 of FIG. 11, and/orflowchart 1200 of FIG. 12.

Network control device 1400 includes a processor 1402, e.g., a CPU, aplurality of wireless interfaces (wireless interface 1 1404, . . . ,wireless interface N 1405), a network interface 1406, e.g., a wired oroptical interface, an assembly of hardware components 1408, e.g.assembly of circuits, and memory 1410 coupled together via a bus 1411over which the various elements may interchange data and information.Wireless interface 1 1404, which supports NR-U spectrum communicationsin a frequency range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz, includes a wireless receiver1412 coupled to a plurality of receive antennas (1426, . . . , 1426) anda wireless transmitter 1414 coupled to a plurality of transmit antennas(1430, . . . , 1432). Wireless interface N 1405 includes a wirelessreceiver 1413 coupled to a plurality of receive antennas (1427, . . . ,1429) and a wireless transmitter 1415 coupled to a plurality of transmitantennas (1431, . . . , 1433). Network interface 1406 includes areceiver 1416 and a transmitter 1418, which coupled to network controldevice 1400 to other network nodes, e.g., other gNB, gateway devices,core network nodes, etc. and/or the Internet, e.g. via a backhaulnetwork.

Memory 1410 includes a control routine 1420, e.g., for controlling basicnetwork control device functionality, and an assembly of components1422, e.g. assembly of software components, software routines, softwaremodules, APPs, etc., and data/information 1424. Data/information 1424includes a received IDC assistance message 1434, e.g., from a first UEexperiencing an IDC problem, e.g., with regard to NR-U communicationsand WiGig communications, a generated response message 1436, e.g., to becommunicated to the first UE in response to the received IDC assistancemessage, a received antenna panel switch request 1438, e.g. from asecond UE, and a generated panel switch instruction message 1440, e.g.,to be sent to the second UE in response to the received panel switchrequest message from the second UE. Received IDC assistance message 1434includes UE ID information 1442, a list 1444 of problem frequencies, andvictim type information 1446, e.g., information identifying WiGig. Insome embodiments, the received IDC assistance message 1434 furtherincludes one or both of information 1448 identifying preferred newfrequencies for operation and power amplifier characteristicsinformation 1450, e.g. power coefficients and/or harmonic frequencies.Generated response message 1436 includes information 1452 identifying anew frequency or new frequencies to be used by the UE, e.g. for UL NR-Utransmissions, and instruction 1545 for implementing the change to thenew frequency or frequencies, e.g. information indicating the time orthe point in the timing structure in which to implement the changeover.

Received antenna panel switch request message 1438 includes UE IDinformation 1456, information 1458 identifying the antenna panel beingused by the UE to which the detected IDC problem corresponds, andinformation 1460 identifying UE recommended antenna panel or panels toswitch to. Generate panel switch instruction message 1440 includesinformation 1462 identifying the selected antenna panel(s) that the UEis to switch to, and instructions 1464 for implementing the change tothe new antenna panel or panels, e.g. information identifying the timeor point in a timing structure when the transmit antenna panel change isto be implemented by the UE.

FIG. 15 is a drawing of an exemplary communications device 1500, e.g., auser equipment (UE) device or an integrated access and backhaul (IAB)node with UE functionality, e.g., a stationary or mobile UE usingunlicensed spectrum and using new radio-unlicensed (NR-U) spectrum andsupporting NR-U and W-Gig communications. Exemplary communicationsdevice 1500 is, e.g., any of the UEs (1322, 1324, 1326, 1328, 1330,1332, 1334, . . . , 1336) of system 1300 of FIG. 13 or any of the IABnodes with UE functionality (IAB node 1 1350, . . . IAB node x 1352) ofsystem 1300 of FIG. 13.

Exemplary communications device 1300 includes a processor 1502, e.g., aCPU, a 1st wireless interface 1504, e.g., NR-U 60 GHz wirelessinterface, and a 2nd wireless interface 1506, e.g., a Wi-FIG. 60wireless interface sometimes referred to as a 60 GHz WiFi interface,e.g. supporting IEEE 802.11 ad/802.11ay, a network interface 1507, aninput/output (I/O) interface 1508, an assembly of hardware components1510, e.g., assembly of circuits, and memory 1512 coupled together via abus 1514 via which the various elements may interchange data andinformation.

The 1st wireless interface 1504, e.g., a NR-U 60 GHz wireless interface,includes a wireless receiver 1516, antenna panel switch circuitry 1520,and a plurality of antennal panels (antenna panel 1A 1524, . . . ,antenna panel NA 1526). The antenna panel switch circuitry 1520 allowsdifferent panel(s) to be connected to the wireless receiver 1516 atdifferent times, e.g. under control of processor 1502. The 1st wirelessinterface 1504, e.g., a NR-U 60 GHz wireless interface, further includesa wireless transmitter 1518, antenna panel switch circuitry 1522, and aplurality of antennal panels (antenna panel 1B 1528, . . . , antennapanel NB 1530). The antenna panel switch circuitry 1522 allows differentpanel(s) to be connected to the wireless transmitter 1518 at differenttimes, e.g. under control of processor 1502. In some embodiments, the1st wireless interface 1504 is a NR-U 60 GHz transceiver includingswitchable antenna panels.

The 2nd wireless interface 1506, e.g., a Wi-Gig wireless interface,includes a wireless receiver 1532, antenna panel switch circuitry 1536,and a plurality of antennal panels (antenna panel 1C 1540, . . . ,antenna panel NC 1542). The antenna panel switch circuitry 1536 allowsdifferent panel(s) to be connected to the wireless receiver 1532 atdifferent times, e.g. under control of processor 1502. The 2nd wirelessinterface 1506, e.g., a Wi-Gig wireless interface, further includes awireless transmitter 1534, antenna panel switch circuitry 1534, and aplurality of antennal panels (antenna panel 1D 1544, . . . , antennapanel ND 1546). The antenna panel switch circuitry 1538 allows differentpanel(s) to be connected to the wireless transmitter 1534 at differenttimes, e.g. under control of processor 1502. In some embodiments, the2nd wireless interface 1506 is a Wi-Gig transceiver including switchableantenna panels.

Network interface 1507, e.g., a wired or optical interface 1507, whichincludes a receiver 158 and transmitter 1570, allows the communicationsdevice to connect to a backhaul via a wired on optical connection, whenavailable.

Exemplary communications device 1500 further includes a plurality ofinput/output devices (speaker 1548, switches 1560, display 1562, e.g., atouch screen display, keypad 1564, mouse 1566, camera 1568 andmicrophone 1560), which are coupled to the bus 1514, via I/O interface1508, allowing the various I/O devices to communicate with otherelements within communications device 1500.

Memory 1512 includes a control routine 1562, an assembly of components1564, e.g., assembly of software components, software modules, softwareroutines, APPs, etc., and data/information 1566. Exemplarydata/information 1566 includes, e.g., a generated IDC assistance messageto be sent to a network control device, e.g. gNB, said IDC assistancemessage indicating: affected frequencies, wigig as the victim system,optionally including recommended frequencies to be switch to, andoptionally including UE power amplifier characteristic information, areceived response message from the network control device indicating newfrequencies to be switched to and optionally includes instructions forperforming the switch. Exemplary data/information 1566 also includes,e.g., a generated antenna panel switch request message to be sent to anetwork control device, e.g. indicating that the UE is requesting thenetwork control device to instruct the UE to switch an antennal panelbeing used by the UE for NR-U transmissions to another panel, e.g. toreduce of eliminate an IDC problem with regard to Wi-Gig communications,and a received instruction message from the network control deviceinstructing the UE to switch to a new panel or new set of panelsidentified in the instruction message, e.g. for UL transmissions to thegNB using the NR-U.

FIG. 16, comprising the combination of FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, is adrawing of an exemplary assembly of components 1600, comprising Part A1601 and Part B 1603, which may be included in a network control device,e.g. a gNB, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplaryassembly of components 1600 is, e.g. included in base stations, e.g.gNBs, 1302, 1304 of FIG. 13, network control device 1400, e.g., a gNB ofFIG. 14, and/or a network control device implementing steps of flowchart900 of FIG. 9, flowchart 1100 of FIG. 11, and/or flowchart 1200 of FIG.12.

The components in the assembly of components 1600 can, and in someembodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within a processor, e.g.,processor 1402, e.g., as individual circuits. The components in theassembly of components 1600 can, and in some embodiments are,implemented fully in hardware within the assembly of hardware components1408, e.g., as individual circuits corresponding to the differentcomponents. In other embodiments some of the components are implemented,e.g., as circuits, within processor 1402 with other components beingimplemented, e.g., as circuits within assembly of components 1408,external to and coupled to the processor 1402. As should be appreciatedthe level of integration of components on the processor and/or with somecomponents being external to the processor may be one of design choice.Alternatively, rather than being implemented as circuits, all or some ofthe components may be implemented in software and stored in the memory1410 of the network control device 1400, e.g., a gNB, with thecomponents controlling operation of the network control device toimplement the functions corresponding to the components when thecomponents are executed by a processor e.g., processor 1402. In somesuch embodiments, the assembly of components 1600 is included in thememory 1410 as part of assembly of software components 1422. In stillother embodiments, various components in assembly of components 1600 areimplemented as a combination of hardware and software, e.g., withanother circuit external to the processor providing input to theprocessor which then under software control operates to perform aportion of a component's function.

When implemented in software the components include code, which whenexecuted by a processor, e.g., processor 1402, configure the processorto implement the function corresponding to the component. In embodimentswhere the assembly of components 1600 is stored in the memory 1410, thememory 1410 is a computer program product comprising a computer readablemedium comprising code, e.g., individual code for each component, forcausing at least one computer, e.g., processor 1402, to implement thefunctions to which the components correspond.

Completely hardware based or completely software based components may beused. However, it should be appreciated that any combination of softwareand hardware, e.g., circuit implemented components may be used toimplement the functions. As should be appreciated, the componentsillustrated in FIG. 16 control and/or configure the network controldevice 1400 or elements therein such as the processor 1402, to performthe functions of corresponding steps illustrated and/or described in themethod of one or more of the flowcharts, signaling diagrams and/ordescribed with respect to any of the Figures. Thus, the assembly ofcomponents 1600 includes various components that perform functions ofcorresponding one or more described and/or illustrated steps of anexemplary method, e.g., steps of the method of flowchart 900 of Figure,flowchart 1100 of FIG. 11 and/or flowchart 1200 of FIG. 12.

Assembly of components 1600 includes a component 1615 configured tooperate the network control device to monitor for messages, and acomponent 1616 configured to operate the network control device toreceive a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from afirst communication device, e.g. a first UE, that detected an in-devicecoexistence problem, said first IDC assistance message indicating awigig victim type. Component 1616 includes a component 1618 configuredto operate the network control device to receive, in said first IDCassistance message, information indicating one or more new frequenciesthe first communications device the first communications device wouldprefer to use in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71GHz frequency band), and a component 1620 configured to operate thenetwork control device to receive, in said first IDC message,communications device (e.g. UE) power amplifier (PA) characteristicinformation indicating one or more characteristics of a power amplifierincluded in the first communications device.

Assembly of components 1600 further includes a component 1622 configuredto select one or more new frequencies to be used by the firstcommunications device, said one or more new frequencies differing in atleast one frequency from one or more frequencies in said firstcommunications band that were being used by the first communicationsdevice when the first communications device detected said in-devicecoexistence problem. Component 1622 includes a component 1624 configuredto select at least one frequency, indicated in the first IDC message asa preferred frequency, as one of said new frequencies, and a component1626 configured to select at least some of the one or more frequenciesto be included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifierinformation included in the first IDC assistance message.

Assembly of components 1600 further includes a component 1630 configuredto generate a response message to the first communications deviceindicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the firstfrequency band to be used by the first communications device, acomponent 1632 configured to operate the network control device totransmit a response message to the first communications deviceindicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the firstfrequency band to be used by the first communications device, and acomponent 1638 configured to operate the network control device, e.g.gNB, to receive data transmitted by the first communications device andforward the received data, e.g. via a backhaul communications network orvia transmission over the air, e.g., to another communications device,e.g., a second UE.

Assembly of components 1600 further includes a component 1656 configuredto operate the network control device to receive a panel switch messagefrom a second communications device, e.g., a second UE, that supportsspace division multiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, saidpanel switch message including: i) a request that the network controldevice switch the antenna panel being used by the second communicationsdevice, for uplink communications between the second communicationsdevice and the network control device or ii) a notification that thesecond communications device is switching the antenna panel being used,by the second communications device for uplink communications betweenthe second communications device and the network control device, to asecond communications device selected antenna panel. Component 1656includes a component 1658 configured to operate the network controldevice to receive, in the panel switch message, information indicatingone or a set of antennas panes that the second communications device isrecommending switching to and a component 1660 configured to operate thenetwork control device to receive, in the panel switch message,information indicating one or a set of panels that the secondcommunications device is switching to.

Assembly of components 1600 further includes a component 1664 configuredto decide, in response to receiving the panel switch request, to switchthe second communications device to a different antenna panel for uplinkcommunications. Component 1664 includes a component 1666 configured toselect the antenna panel, to which the second communications device isto switch, from one or more of the antenna panels identified by thesecond communications device in said panel switch message. Assembly ofcomponents 1600 further includes a component 1668 configured to operatethe network control device to transmit, to the second communicationsdevice, a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel towhich the second communications device, e.g. second UE, is to switch foruplink communications.

FIG. 17, comprising the combination of FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, is adrawing of an exemplary assembly of components 1700, comprising Part A1701 and Part B 1703, which may be included in an exemplarycommunications device, e.g., a first communications device (first UE) ora second communications device (second UE), in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. Assembly of components 1700 is, e.g., include inany of the UEs (1322, 1324, 1326, 1328, 1332, 1334, . . . , 1336) or anyof the IAB nodes with UE functionality (1350, . . . , 1352) of system1300 of FIG. 1300 or communications device 1500, e.g., a UE, of FIG. 15,or a communications device implementing steps of a method of flowchart900 of FIG. 9, flowchart 1100 of FIG. 11 and/or flowchart 1200 of FIG.12.

The components in the assembly of components 1700 can, and in someembodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within a processor, e.g.,processor 1502, e.g., as individual circuits. The components in theassembly of components 1700 can, and in some embodiments are,implemented fully in hardware within the assembly of hardware components1510, e.g., as individual circuits corresponding to the differentcomponents. In other embodiments some of the components are implemented,e.g., as circuits, within processor 1502 with other components beingimplemented, e.g., as circuits within assembly of components 1510,external to and coupled to the processor 1502. As should be appreciatedthe level of integration of components on the processor and/or with somecomponents being external to the processor may be one of design choice.Alternatively, rather than being implemented as circuits, all or some ofthe components may be implemented in software and stored in the memory1512 of the communications device, e.g., UE device, 1500, with thecomponents controlling operation of the communications device toimplement the functions corresponding to the components when thecomponents are executed by a processor e.g., processor 1502. In somesuch embodiments, the assembly of components 1700 is included in thememory 1512 as part of assembly of software components 1564. In stillother embodiments, various components in assembly of components 1700 areimplemented as a combination of hardware and software, e.g., withanother circuit external to the processor providing input to theprocessor which then under software control operates to perform aportion of a component's function.

When implemented in software the components include code, which whenexecuted by a processor, e.g., processor 1502, configure the processorto implement the function corresponding to the component. In embodimentswhere the assembly of components 1700 is stored in the memory 1512, thememory 1512 is a computer program product comprising a computer readablemedium comprising code, e.g., individual code for each component, forcausing at least one computer, e.g., processor 1502, to implement thefunctions to which the components correspond.

Completely hardware based or completely software based components may beused. However, it should be appreciated that any combination of softwareand hardware, e.g., circuit implemented components may be used toimplement the functions. As should be appreciated, the componentsillustrated in FIG. 17 control and/or configure the communicationsdevice, e.g., UE device, 1500 or elements therein such as the processor1502, to perform the functions of corresponding steps illustrated and/ordescribed in the method of one or more of the flowcharts, signalingdiagrams and/or described with respect to any of the Figures. Thus, theassembly of components 1700 includes various components that performfunctions of corresponding one or more described and/or illustratedsteps of an exemplary method, e.g., steps of the method of flowchart 900of FIG. 9, the method of flowchart 1100 of FIG. 11, and/or the method offlowchart 1200 of FIG. 12.

Assembly of components 1700 includes a component 1704 configured tooperate the communications device to detect an in-device coexistence(IDC) problem, said communications device including multiple radiotransceivers (e.g., a NR-U 60 GHz transceiver and a WiGig (60 GHz WiFi)transceiver), at least one of the multiple radio transceiver beingcapable of operating at one or more frequencies in a first frequencyband (e.g., 52.6 GHz-71 GHz), and a component 1706 configured togenerate a first IDC assistance message. Component 1706 includes acomponent 1708 configured to include, in the first IDC assistancemessage, information indicating a wigig victim type, a component 1710configured to include, in said first IDC assistance message, informationindicating one or more new frequencies that the communications devicewould prefer to used in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 to71 GHz frequency band) and a component 1712 configured to include, insaid first IDC assistance message, communications device, e.g. UEdevice, power amplifier (PA) characteristic information indicating oneor more characteristics of a power amplifier included in thcommunications device. Assembly of components 1700 further includes acomponent 1714 configured to operate the communications device totransmit the generated first IDC assistance message to a network controldevice, e.g. a gNB, a component 1734 configured to operate thecommunications device to receive a response message in response to thefirst IDC assistance message, and a component 1736 configured to operatethe communications device to transmit data using one or more newfrequencies to the network control device, e.g. gNB, for forwarding toanother communications device, as part of a communications sessionbetween the communications device and the another communications device.

Assembly of components 1700 further includes a component 1742 configuredto detect an IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antennapanel or panels used for uplink communications, and a component 1744configured to generate a panel switch message. Component 1744 includes acomponent 1746 configured to determine, e.g. based on knowledge of theavailable antenna panels at the communications device and/or knowledgeof the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem, oneor more alternative antenna panels which can be used for uplinkcommunications to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, a component1748 configured to include in the panel switch message an indication ofat least one antenna panel which can be used by the communicationsdevice to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, a component 1750configured to include in the panel switch message information indicatingone or a set of antenna panels that the communications device isrecommending switching to, and a component 1752 configured to include,in the panel switch message, information indicating one or a set ofantenna panels that the communications device is switching to.

Assembly of components 1700 further includes a component 1754 configuredto operate the communications device to receive a switch instructionwith an indication of the antenna panel to which the communicationsdevice is to switch to for uplink communications, a component 1772configured to operate the communications device to switch to one or morenew antenna panels, and component 1774 configured to operate thecommunications device to transmit uplink data using the one or more newantenna panels.

In the following numbered lists of exemplary embodiments references to aprevious numbered embodiment refers to an embodiment in the samenumbered list in which the reference is made. For example, references toother numbered embodiments in the first numbered list refer to anumbered embodiment in the first numbered list and a reference toanother numbered embodiment in the second list refers a numberedembodiment in the second list.

First Numbered List of Exemplary Method Embodiments

Method Embodiment 1 A communications method, the method comprising:operating (1215) a network control device (e.g. gNB) to monitor formessages; and receiving (1216), at the network control device (e.g.,gNB), a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from afirst communications device (e.g., first UE) that detected an in-devicecoexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating a wigigvictim type.

Method Embodiment 2 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the wigigvictim type indicator indicates a victim type in the NR frequency band.

Method Embodiment 3 The method of Method Embodiment 2, wherein said NRfrequency band is within a frequency range of 52.6-71 GHz and is NRunlicensed.

Method Embodiment 4 The method of Method Embodiment 3, wherein the wigigvictim type indicator indicates there is a in-device coexistence problembetween a channel being used by the first communications device forWi-Gig (sometimes referred to as 60 GHz WiFi or IEEE 802.11ad and/or802.11ay) and a channel being used by the first communications devicefor NR (52.6-71 GHz) (sometimes referred to as 60 GHz NR).

Method Embodiment 5 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the firstIDC assistance message further indicates one or more of: i) preferrednew frequency information indicating one or more new frequencies thefirst communicates device would prefer to use in a first frequency band(e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detectedIDC problem relates; or ii) UE power amplifier characteristicinformation indicating one or more characteristics of a power amplifierincluded in the first communications device; and wherein the methodfurther includes: selecting (1216) (e.g., determining) at the networkcontrol device, one or more new frequencies to be used by the firstcommunications device based on information included in said first IDCassistance message, said one or more new frequencies differing in atleast one frequency from one or more frequencies in said firstcommunications band that were being used by said first communicationsdevice when said first communications device detected said in-devicecoexistence problem; and transmitting (1232) a response message to thefirst communications device indicating the selected one or more newfrequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the firstcommunications device.

Method Embodiment 6 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the firstfrequency band is a New Radio (NR) frequency band that includes 52.6 GHzto 71 GHz.

Method Embodiment 7 The method of Method Embodiment 5, wherein the firstIDC assistance message includes preferred new frequency information; andwherein said step of selecting (1222) said one or more new frequenciesincludes selecting (1224) at least one frequency indicated in the firstIDC assistance message as a preferred frequency as one of said newfrequencies.

Method Embodiment 8 The method of Method Embodiment 7, wherein the firstIDC assistance message further includes UE power amplifiercharacteristic information (e.g. harmonic information indicatingharmonics which may be generated and/or which frequencies in the firstfrequency band can amplified by the first communications device withless distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); andwherein said step of selecting (1222) said one or more new frequenciesfurther includes selecting (1226) at least some of the one or morefrequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the newfrequencies, based on the power amplifier information included in thefirst IDC message.

Method Embodiment 9 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the firstIDC assistance message includes UE power amplifier characteristicinformation (e.g. harmonic information indicating harmonics which may begenerated and/or which frequencies in the first frequency band canamplified by the first communications device with less distortion thanother frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said step ofselecting (1222) said one or more new frequencies further includesselecting (1226) at least some of the one or more frequencies in thefirst frequency band to be included in the new frequencies, based on thepower amplifier information included in the first IDC message.

Method Embodiment 10 The method of Method Embodiment 1, furthercomprising, prior to the network control device receiving (1216) thefirst IDC assistance message: detecting (1204), performed by the firstcommunications device (e.g., first UE) said in-device coexistenceproblem, said first UE including multiple radio transceivers, at leastone of the multiple radio transceivers being capable of operating at oneor more frequencies in the first frequency band; generating (1206), inthe first communications device, said first IDC assistance message; andtransmitting (1214) the first IDC assistance message to the networkcontrol device (e.g., a gNB).

Method Embodiment 11 The method of Method Embodiment 10, furthercomprising: operating (1236) the first communications device to transmitdata, using the one or more new frequencies, to the first networkcontrol device (e.g., gNB) for forwarding to another communicationsdevice (e.g., second UE) as part of a communications session between thefirst communications device and the another communications device.

Method Embodiment 12 The method of Method Embodiment 10, furthercomprising: operating (1238) the network control device (e.g., gNB) toreceive the data transmitted by the first communications device (e.g.first UE) using the one or more new frequencies, from the firstcommunications device, and forward it (e.g., via a communicationsnetwork or via transmission over the air) to the another communicationsdevice (e.g., second UE).

Method Embodiment 13 The method of Method Embodiment 1, furthercomprising: receiving (1256), at the network control device (e.g., gNB),a panel switch message from a second communications device (e.g., UE)that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multipleantenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request thatthe network control device switch the antenna panel being used, by thesecond communications device, for uplink communications between thesecond communications device and the network control device or ii) anotification that the second communications device is switching theantenna panel being used, by the second communications device, foruplink communications between the second communications device and thenetwork control device.

Method Embodiment 14 The method of Method Embodiment 13, wherein thepanel switch message is a second in-device co-exitance (IDC) assistancemessage sent by the second communications device in response todetermining that said second communications device (e.g., second UE) issuffering an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHZ.

Method Embodiment 15 The method of Method Embodiment 13, wherein thepanel switch message includes information indicating one or a set ofantenna panels that the second communications device is recommendingswitching to.

Method Embodiment 16 The method of Method Embodiment 15, furthercomprising: deciding (1264), at the network control device, in responseto receiving the switch panel switch message including a request, toswitch the second communications device to a different antenna panel foruplink communications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB);and transmitting (1268) to the second UE a switch instruction with anindication of the antenna panel to which the second UE is to switch foruplink communications.

Method Embodiment 17 The method of Method Embodiment 16, furthercomprising, selecting (1266) the antenna panel to which the secondcommunications device is to switch from one or more antennal panelsidentified by the second communications device in said panel switchmessage.

Method Embodiment 18 The method of Method Embodiment 13, furthercomprising, prior to the network control device (e.g., gNB), receiving(1256) the panel switch message from the second communications device:detecting (1242), at the second communications device, an IDC problemwhich can be resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used foruplink communications; generating (1244), at the second communicationsdevice, said panel switch message; and transmitting (1254) the panelswitch message from the second communications device to the networkcontrol device.

Method Embodiment 19 The method of Method Embodiment 18, whereingenerating (1244) said panel switch message includes: determining(1246), at the second communications device, (e.g., based on knowledgeof the available antenna panels at the second communications deviceand/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing theIDC problem) one or more alternative antennal panels which can be usedfor uplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem;and including (1248) in the panel switch message an indication of atlast one panel which can be used by the second communications device toavoid or reduce the detected IDC problem.

Second Numbered List of Exemplary Method Embodiments

Method Embodiment 1 A communications method, the method comprising:operating (1215) a network control device (e.g. gNB) to monitor formessages; and receiving (1256), at the network control device (e.g.,gNB), a panel switch message from a communications device (e.g., UE)that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multipleantenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request thatthe network control device switch the antenna panel being used, by thecommunications device, for uplink communications between thecommunications device and the network control device or ii) anotification that the communications device is switching the antennapanel being used, by the communications device, for uplinkcommunications between the communications device and the network controldevice.

Method Embodiment 2 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the panelswitch message is an in-device co-existence (IDC) assistance messagesent by the communications device in response to determining that saidcommunications device (e.g., UE) is suffering an in-device coexistenceissue in frequencies above 52.6 GHZ.

Method Embodiment 3 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the panelswitch message includes information indicating one or a set of antennapanels that the communications device is recommending switching to.

Method Embodiment 4 The method of Method Embodiment 3, furthercomprising: deciding (1264), at the network control device, in responseto receiving the switch panel switch message including a request, toswitch the communications device to a different antenna panel for uplinkcommunications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB); andtransmitting (1268) to the communications device (e.g., UE) a switchinstruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which thecommunications device (e.g. UE) is to switch for uplink communications.

Method Embodiment 5 The method of Method Embodiment 4, furthercomprising, selecting (1266) the antenna panel to which thecommunications device (e.g. UE) is to switch from one or more antennalpanels identified by the communications device in said panel switchmessage.

Method Embodiment 6 The method of Method Embodiment 1, furthercomprising, prior to the network control device (e.g., gNB), receiving(1256) the panel switch message from the communications device (e.g.UE): detecting, (1242) at the communications device, an IDC problemwhich can be resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used foruplink communications; generating, (1244) at the communications device,said panel switch message; and transmitting (1254) the panel switchmessage from the communications device to the network control device.

Method Embodiment 7 The method of Method Embodiment 6, whereingenerating (1244) said panel switch message includes: determining,(1246) at the communications device, (e.g., based on knowledge of theavailable antenna panels at the communications device and/or knowledgeof the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem) oneor more alternative antennal panels which can be used for uplinkcommunication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem; and including(1248) in the panel switch message an indication of at last one panelwhich can be used by the communications device to avoid or reduce thedetected IDC problem.

Third Numbered List of Exemplary Method Embodiments

Method Embodiment 1 A communications method, the method comprising:receiving, at a network control device (e.g., a gNB), a first in-devicecoexistence (IDC) assistance message from a first communications device(e.g., a first UE) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, thefirst IDC assistance message indicating one or more of: i) preferred newfrequency information indicating one or more new frequencies that firstcommunications device would prefer to use in a first frequency band(e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detectedIDC problem relates; or ii) communications device (e.g., UE) poweramplifier characteristic information indicating one or characteristicsof a power amplifier include in the first communications device;selecting (e.g., determining) at the network control device one or morenew frequencies to be used by the first communications device based oninformation included in said first IDC message, said one or newfrequencies selected to be used by the first communications devicediffering in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in saidfirst communications band that were being used by said firstcommunications device when said first communications device detectedsaid in-device coexistence problem; and transmitting a response messageto the first communications device indicating the selected one or morenew frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the firstcommunications device.

Method Embodiment 2 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1,wherein said first frequency band is a New Radio (NR) frequency bandthat includes 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.

Method Embodiment 3 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1,wherein said first IDC assistance message includes preferred newfrequency information; and wherein said step of selecting said one ormore new frequencies includes selecting at least one frequency indicatedin the first IDC assistance message as a preferred frequency as one ofsaid new frequencies.

Method Embodiment 4 The communications method of Method Embodiment 3,wherein said first IDC assistance message further includescommunications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristicinformation (e.g., harmonic information indicating harmonics which maybe generated and/or frequencies in the first frequency band which can beamplified by the first communications device with less distortion thanother frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said step ofselecting one or more new frequencies further includes selecting atleast some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band tobe included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifierinformation included in the first IDC assistance message.

Method Embodiment 5 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1,wherein said first IDC assistance message further includescommunications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristicinformation (e.g., harmonic information indicating harmonics which maybe generated and/or frequencies in the first frequency band which can beamplified by the first communications device with less distortion thanother frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said step ofselecting one or more new frequencies further includes selecting atleast some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band tobe included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifierinformation included in the first IDC assistance message.

Method Embodiment 6 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1,further comprising, prior to the network control device receiving thefirst IDC assistance message: detecting, performed by the firstcommunications device (e.g., first UE), said in-device coexistenceproblem, said first communications device including multiple radiotransceivers, at least one of the multiple radio transceivers beingcapable of operating at one or more frequencies in the first frequencyband; generating, in the first communications device, said first IDCassistance message; and transmitting the first IDC assistance message tothe network control device (e.g., a gNB).

Method Embodiment 7 The communications method of Method Embodiment 6,further comprising: operating the first communications device totransmit data, using the one or more new frequencies, to the firstcontrol device (gNB) for forwarding to a second communications device(e.g., second UE), as part of a communications session between the firstcommunications device and the second communications device.

Method Embodiment 8 The communications method of Method Embodiment 6,further comprising: operating the network control device (e.g., gNB) toreceive data transmitted by the first communications device, using theone or more new frequencies, from the first the first communicationsdevice and forward the data (e.g.,via a communications network or viatransmission over the air) to the second communications device.

Method Embodiment 9 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1,wherein the first IDC assistance message includes victim type indicatinga wigig victim type.

Method Embodiment 10 The communications method of Method Embodiment 9,wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates a victim type in theNR frequency band.

Method Embodiment 11 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1,further comprising: receiving, at the network control device (e.g.,gNB), a panel switch message from a second communications device (e.g.,another UE) that support space division multiplexing via the use ofmultiple transmission panels, said panel switch message including arequest that the network control device switch the transmission panelbeing used for uplink communications between the second communicationsdevice and the network control device.

Method Embodiment 12 The communications method of Method Embodiment 11,wherein the panel switch method is a second in-device coexistence (IDC)assistance message send by the second communications device in responseto the second communications device determining that the secondcommunications device is suffering an in-device coexistence issue infrequencies above 52.6 GHz.

Method Embodiment 13 The communications method of Method Embodiment 11,wherein the panel switch message includes information indicating one ora set of panels that the second communications device (e.g. second UE)is recommending switching to.

Method Embodiment 14 The communications method of Method Embodiment 13,further comprising: deciding, at the network control device, in responseto receiving the panel switch request, to switch the secondcommunications device to a different antenna panel for uplinkcommunications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB); andtransmitting (from the network control device (e.g. gNB) to the secondcommunications device (e.g. second UE) a switch instruction with anindication of the antenna panel to which the second communicationsdevice is to switch to for uplink communications.

Method Embodiment 15 The communications method of Method Embodiment 14further comprising: selecting the antenna panel to which the secondcommunications device is to switch to from one or more antenna panelsidentified by the second communications device in said panel switchmessage.

Method Embodiment 16 The communications method of Method Embodiment 11,further comprising, prior to the network control device (e.g. gNB),receiving the panel switch message from the second communicationsdevice: detecting, at the second communications device, and IDC problemwhich can be resolved by changing an antenna panel of panels used foruplink communications; generating, at the second communications device,said panel switch message; and transmitting the panel switch messagefrom the second communications device to the network control device.

Method Embodiment 17 The communications method of Method Embodiment 16,wherein generating said panel switch message includes: determining, atthe second communications device, (e.g., based on knowledge of theavailable antenna panels at the second communications device and/orknowledge of the direction or source of interference causing the IDCproblem) one or more alternative antenna panels which can be used foruplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem; andincluding in the panel switch message an indication of at least onepanel which can be used by the second communications device to avoid orreduce the detected IDC problem.

First Numbered List of Exemplary System Embodiments

System Embodiment 1 A communications system (1300) comprising: a networkcontrol device (e.g. a gNB) (1302 or 1400) including: a wirelessreceiver (1412); and a first processor (1402) configured to: operate thewireless receiver (1412) to receive (1216), at the network controldevice (e.g., gNB), a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistancemessage from a first communications device (e.g., first UE) (1322 or1500) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDCassistance message indicating a wigig victim type.

System Embodiment 2 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates a victimtype in the NR frequency band.

System Embodiment 3 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 2, wherein said NR frequency band is within a frequency rangeof 52.6-71 GHz and is NR unlicensed.

System Embodiment 4 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates there isa in-device coexistence problem between a channel being used by thefirst communications device for Wi-Gig (sometimes referred to as 60 GHzWiFi or IEEE 802.11ad and/or 802.11ay) and a channel being used by thefirst communications device for NR (52.6-71 GHz) (sometimes referred toas 60 GHz NR).

System Embodiment 5 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein the first IDC assistance message further indicatesone or more of: i) preferred new frequency information indicating one ormore new frequencies the first communicates device would prefer to usein a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequencyband) to which the detected IDC problem relates; or ii) UE poweramplifier characteristic information indicating one or morecharacteristics of a power amplifier included in the firstcommunications device; wherein said network control device (1302 or1400) further includes: a wireless transmitter (1414); and wherein saidfirst processor (1402) is further configured to: select (1216) (e.g.,determining) at the network control device, one or more new frequenciesto be used by the first communications device based on informationincluded in said first IDC assistance message, said one or more newfrequencies differing in at least one frequency from one or morefrequencies in said first communications band that were being used bysaid first communications device when said first communications devicedetected said in-device coexistence problem; and operate the wirelesstransmitter (1414) to transmit (1232) a response message to the firstcommunications device (1322) indicating the selected one or more newfrequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the firstcommunications device (1322).

System Embodiment 6 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein the first frequency band is a New Radio (NR)frequency band that includes 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.

System Embodiment 7 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 5, wherein the first IDC assistance message includespreferred new frequency information; and wherein said first processor(1402) is configured to: select (1224) at least one frequency indicatedin the first IDC assistance message as a preferred frequency as one ofsaid new frequencies, as part of being configured to select (1222) saidone or more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 8 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 7, wherein the first IDC assistance message further includesUE power amplifier characteristic information (e.g. harmonic informationindicating harmonics which may be generated and/or which frequencies inthe first frequency band can amplified by the first communicationsdevice (1322) with less distortion than other frequencies in the firstfrequency band); and wherein said first processor (1402) is configuredto: select (1226) at least some of the one or more frequencies in thefirst frequency band to be included in the new frequencies, based on thepower amplifier information included in the first IDC message, as partof being configured to select (1222) said one or more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 9 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein the first IDC assistance message includes UE poweramplifier characteristic information (e.g. harmonic informationindicating harmonics which may be generated and/or which frequencies inthe first frequency band can amplified by the first communicationsdevice (1322) with less distortion than other frequencies in the firstfrequency band); and wherein said first processor (1402) is configuredto: select (1226) at least some of the one or more frequencies in thefirst frequency band to be included in the new frequencies, based on thepower amplifier information included in the first IDC message, as partof being configured to select (1222) said one or more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 10 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, further comprising: said first communications device(1322), said first communications device (1322) including: a secondwireless transmitter (1518); and a second processor (1502); and whereinsaid second processor (1502) is configured to: prior to the networkcontrol device receiving (1216) the first IDC assistance message,operate the first communications device (e.g., first UE) (1322) todetect (1204) said in-device coexistence problem, said firstcommunications device including multiple radio transceivers, at leastone of the multiple radio transceivers being capable of operating at oneor more frequencies in the first frequency band; generate (1206), in thefirst communications device (1322), said first IDC assistance message;and operate the second wireless transmitter (1534) to transmit (1214)the first IDC assistance message to the network control device (e.g., agNB).

System Embodiment 11 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 10, wherein said second processor (1502) is furtherconfigured to: operate (1236) the first communications device (1322) totransmit data, using the one or more new frequencies, to the firstnetwork control device (e.g., gNB) for forwarding to anothercommunications device (e.g., second UE) (1324 or 1336) as part of acommunications session between the first communications device (1322)and the another communications device (1324 or 1336).

System Embodiment 12 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 10, wherein said first processor (1402) is further configuredto: operate (1238) the network control device (e.g., gNB) (1302) toreceive the data transmitted by the first communications device (e.g.first UE) (1322) using the one or more new frequencies, from the firstcommunications device (1322), and forward it (e.g., via a communicationsnetwork or via transmission over the air) to the another communicationsdevice (e.g., second UE) (1324 or 1336).

System Embodiment 13 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein said first processor (1402) is further configuredto: operate the first receiver (1412) to receive (1256), at the networkcontrol device (e.g., gNB) (1302), a panel switch message from a secondcommunications device (e.g., UE) (1324) that supports space divisionmultiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switchmessage including: i) a request that the network control device (1322)switch the antenna panel being used, by the second communications device(1324), for uplink communications between the second communicationsdevice (1324) and the network control device (1302) or ii) anotification that the second communications device (1324) is switchingthe antenna panel being used, by the second communications device(1324), for uplink communications between the second communicationsdevice (1324) and the network control device (1302).

System Embodiment 14 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 13, wherein the panel switch message is a second in-deviceco-existence (IDC) assistance message sent by the second communicationsdevice (1324) in response to determining that said second communicationsdevice (e.g., second UE) (1324) is suffering an in-device coexistenceissue in frequencies above 52.6 GHZ.

System Embodiment 15 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 13, wherein the panel switch message includes informationindicating one or a set of antenna panels that the second communicationsdevice (1324) is recommending switching to.

System Embodiment 16 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 15, wherein said network control device (1302) furtherincludes a wireless transmitter (1414); and wherein said first processor(1402) is further configured to: decide (1264), at the network controldevice (1302), in response to receiving the switch panel switch messageincluding a request, to switch the second communications device (1324)to a different antenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to thenetwork control node, e.g., gNB); and operate the wireless transmitter(1414) to transmit (1268) to the second communications device (e.g.,second UE) (1324) a switch instruction with an indication of the antennapanel to which the second communications device (e.g., second UE) (1324)is to switch for uplink communications.

System Embodiment 17 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 16, wherein said first processor (1402) is further configuredto: select (1266) the antenna panel to which the second communicationsdevice is to switch from one or more antennal panels identified by thesecond communications device (1324) in said panel switch message.

System Embodiment 18 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 13, further comprising: said second communications device(1324 or 1500); said second communications device (1324) including: awireless transmitter (1518); and a second processor (1502); and whereinsaid second processor (1502) is configured to: prior to the networkcontrol device (e.g., gNB) (1302), receiving (1256) the panel switchmessage from the second communications device (1324), operate the secondcommunications device (1324) to detect (1242) an IDC problem which canbe resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplinkcommunications; generate (1244), at the second communications device(1324), said panel switch message; and operate the wireless transmitter(1518) to transmit (1254) the panel switch message from the secondcommunications device (1324) to the network control device (1302).

System Embodiment 19 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 18, wherein said second processor (1502) is configured to:determine (1246), at the second communications device (1324), (e.g.,based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the secondcommunications device (1324) and/or knowledge of the direction or sourceof interference causing the IDC problem) one or more alternative antennapanels which can be used for uplink communication to avoid or reduce thedetected IDC problem;

and include (1248) in the panel switch message an indication of at lastone panel which can be used by the second communications device (1324)to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, as part of being configuredto generate (1244) said panel switch message.

Second Numbered List of Exemplary System Embodiments

System Embodiment 1 A communications system (1300) comprising: a networkcontrol device (e.g., gNB) (1302 or 1400) including: a wireless receiver(1412); and a first processor (1402) configured to operate the wirelessreceiver (1412) to receive (1256), at the network control device (e.g.,gNB), a panel switch message from a communications device (e.g., UE)(1324 or 1500) that supports space division multiplexing via the use ofmultiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) arequest that the network control device (1302) switch the antenna panelbeing used, by the communications device (1324), for uplinkcommunications between the communications device (1324) and the networkcontrol device (1302) or ii) a notification that the communicationsdevice (1324) is switching the antenna panel being used, by thecommunications device (1324), for uplink communications between thecommunications device (1324) and the network control device (1302).

System Embodiment 2 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein the panel switch message is an in-deviceco-existence (IDC) assistance message sent by the communications device(1324) in response to determining that said communications device (e.g.,UE) is suffering an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above52.6 GHZ.

System Embodiment 3 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein the panel switch message includes informationindicating one or a set of antenna panels that the communications device(1324) is recommending switching to.

System Embodiment 4 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 3, wherein said network control device (1302) furtherincludes a wireless transmitter (1414); and wherein said first processor(1402) is further configured to: decide (1264), at the network controldevice (1302), in response to receiving the switch panel switch messageincluding a request, to switch the communications device (1324) to adifferent antenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to the networkcontrol node, e.g., gNB); and operate the wireless transmitter (1414) totransmit (1268) to the communications device (e.g., UE) (1324) a switchinstruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which thecommunications device (e.g., UE) (1324) is to switch for uplinkcommunications.

System Embodiment 5 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 4, wherein said first processor (1402) is further configuredto: select (1266) the antenna panel to which the communications device(e.g., UE) (1324) is to switch from one or more antennal panelsidentified by the communications device (1324) in said panel switchmessage.

System Embodiment 6 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 1, wherein said communications system (1300) furthercomprises: said communications device (e.g. UE) (1324) including: asecond processor (1502); and a second transmitter (1518); and whereinsaid second processor (1502) is configured to: prior to the networkcontrol device (e.g., gNB) (1302), receiving (1256) the panel switchmessage from the communications device (e.g., UE) (1324), operate thecommunications device (1324) to detect (1242) an IDC problem which canbe resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplinkcommunications; generate, (1244) said panel switch message; and operatethe second transmitter (1518) to transmit (1254) the panel switchmessage from the communications device (1524) to the network controldevice (1302).

System Embodiment 7 The communications system (1300) of SystemEmbodiment 6, wherein said second processor (1502) is configured to:determine, (1246) at the communications device (1324), (e.g., based onknowledge of the available antenna panels at the communications deviceand/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing theIDC problem) one or more alternative antenna panels which can be usedfor uplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem;and include (1248) in the panel switch message an indication of at lastone panel which can be used by second communications device (1324) toavoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, as part of being configured togenerate (1244) said panel switch message.

Third Numbered List of Exemplary System Embodiments

System Embodiment 1 A communications system comprising: a networkcontrol device including: a first processor; a first wireless receiver;and a first wireless transmitter; and wherein said first processor isconfigured to: operate the network control device to receive (via thefirst wireless receiver) a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistancemessage from a first communications device (e.g., a first UE) thatdetected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDC assistancemessage indicating one or more of: i) preferred new frequencyinformation indicating one or more new frequencies that firstcommunications device would prefer to use in a first frequency band(e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detectedIDC problem relates; or ii) communications device (e.g., UE) poweramplifier characteristic information indicating one or characteristicsof a power amplifier include in the first communications device; select(e.g., determine) one or more new frequencies to be used by the firstcommunications device based on information included in said first IDCmessage, said one or new frequencies selected to be used by the firstcommunications device differing in at least one frequency from one ormore frequencies in said first communications band that were being usedby said first communications device when said first communicationsdevice detected said in-device coexistence problem; and operate thenetwork control device to transmit (via the first wireless transmitter)a response message to the first communications device indicating theselected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to beused by the first communications device.

Method Embodiment 2 The communications system of System Embodiment 1,wherein said first frequency band is a New Radio (NR) frequency bandthat includes 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.

Method Embodiment 3 The communications system of System Embodiment 1,wherein said first IDC assistance message includes preferred newfrequency information; and wherein said first processor is configured toselect at least one frequency indicated in the first IDC assistancemessage as a preferred frequency as one of said new frequencies, as partof being configured to select said one or more new frequencies.

Method Embodiment 4 The communications system of System Embodiment 3,wherein said first IDC assistance message further includescommunications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristicinformation (e.g., harmonic information indicating harmonics which maybe generated and/or frequencies in the first frequency band which can beamplified by the first communications device with less distortion thanother frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said firstprocessor is configured to select at least some of the one or morefrequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the newfrequencies based on the power amplifier information included in thefirst IDC assistance message, as part of being configured to select oneor more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 5 The communications system of System Embodiment 1,wherein said first IDC assistance message further includescommunications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristicinformation (e.g., harmonic information indicating harmonics which maybe generated and/or frequencies in the first frequency band which can beamplified by the first communications device with less distortion thanother frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said firstprocessor is configured to select at least some of the one or morefrequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the newfrequencies based on the power amplifier information included in thefirst IDC assistance message, as part of being configured to select oneor more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 6 The communications system of System Embodiment 1,further comprising: said first communications device, said firstcommunications device including a second processor and a second wirelesstransmitter, and wherein said second processor is configured to: priorto the network control device receiving the first IDC assistancemessage, detect at the first communications device (e.g., first UE),said in-device coexistence problem, said first communications deviceincluding multiple radio transceivers, at least one of the multipleradio transceivers being capable of operating at one or more frequenciesin the first frequency band; generate, in the first communicationsdevice, said first IDC assistance message; and operate the firstcommunications device to transmit (via the second wireless transmitter)the first IDC assistance message to the network control device (e.g., agNB).

System Embodiment 7 The communications system of System Embodiment 6,wherein said second processor is further configured to: operate thefirst communications device to transmit data, (via the second wirelesstransmitter) using the one or more new frequencies, to the first controldevice (gNB) for forwarding to a second communications device (e.g.,second UE), as part of a communications session between the firstcommunications device and the second communications device.

System Embodiment 8 The communications system of System Embodiment 6,wherein said first process is further configured to: operate the networkcontrol device (e.g., gNB) to receive (via the first wirelesstransmitter) data transmitted by the first communications device, usingthe one or more new frequencies, from the first the first communicationsdevice and forward the data (e.g., via a communications network or viatransmission over the air) to the second communications device.

System Embodiment 9 The communications system of System Embodiment 1,wherein the first IDC assistance message includes victim type indicatinga wigig victim type.

System Embodiment 10 The communications system of System Embodiment 9,wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates a victim type in theNR frequency band.

System Embodiment 11 The communications system of System Embodiment 1,wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate thenetwork control device (e.g., gNB) to receive (via the first wirelessreceiver) a panel switch message from a second communications device(e.g., another UE) that supports space division multiplexing via the useof multiple transmission panels, said panel switch message including arequest that the network control device switch the transmission panelbeing used for uplink communications between the second communicationsdevice and the network control device.

System Embodiment 12 The communications system of System Embodiment 11,wherein the panel switch method is a second in-device coexistence (IDC)assistance message send by the second communications device in responseto the second communications device determining that the secondcommunications device is suffering an in-device coexistence issue infrequencies above 52.6 GHz.

System Embodiment 13 The communications system of System Embodiment 11,wherein the panel switch message includes information indicating one ora set of panels that the second communications device (e.g. second UE)is recommending switching to.

System Embodiment 14 The communications system of System Embodiment 13,wherein said first processor is further configured to: decide, at thenetwork control device, in response to receiving the panel switchrequest, to switch the second communications device to a differentantenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to the network controlnode, e.g., gNB); and operate the network control device to transmitting(via the first wireless transmitter) (from the network control device(e.g. gNB) to the second communications device (e.g. second UE) a switchinstruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the secondcommunications device is to switch to for uplink communications.

System Embodiment 15 The communications system of System Embodiment 14wherein said first processor is further configured to: select theantenna panel to which the second communications device is to switch tofrom one or more antenna panels identified by the second communicationsdevice in said panel switch message.

System Embodiment 16 The communications system of System Embodiment 11,wherein said second processor is further configured to, prior to thenetwork control device (e.g. gNB), receiving the panel switch messagefrom the second communications device, operate the second communicationsdevice to detect, at the second communications device, and IDC problemwhich can be resolved by changing an antenna panel of panels used foruplink communications; generate, at the second communications device,said panel switch message; and operate the second wireless transmitterto transmit the panel switch message from the second communicationsdevice to the network control device.

System Embodiment 17 The communications system of System Embodiment 16,wherein said second processor is configured to: determine, at the secondcommunications device, (e.g., based on knowledge of the availableantenna panels at the second communications device and/or knowledge ofthe direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem) one ormore alternative antenna panels which can be used for uplinkcommunication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, as part ofbeing configured to generate said panel switch message includes; andinclude in the panel switch message an indication of at least one panelwhich can be used by the second communications device to avoid or reducethe detected IDC problem.

Numbered List of Exemplary Non-Transitory Computer Readable MediumEmbodiments

Non-Transitory Computer readable medium Embodiment 1 A non-transitorycomputer readable medium including computer executable instruction whichwhen executed by a processor of a network control device (e.g. gNB)cause the network control device to perform the steps of: operating(1215) the network control device (e.g. gNB) to monitor for messages;and receiving (1216), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a firstin-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a firstcommunications device (e.g., first UE) that detected an in-devicecoexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating a wigigvictim type.

Non-Transitory Computer readable medium Embodiment 2 A non-transitorycomputer readable medium including computer executable instruction whichwhen executed by a processor of a network control device (e.g. gNB)cause the network control device to perform the steps of: operating(1215) a network control device (e.g. gNB) to monitor for messages; andreceiving (1256), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a panelswitch message from a communications device (e.g., UE) that supportsspace division multiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, saidpanel switch message including: i) a request that the network controldevice switch the antenna panel being used, by the communicationsdevice, for uplink communications between the communications device andthe network control device or ii) a notification that the communicationsdevice is switching the antenna panel being used, by the communicationsdevice, for uplink communications between the communications device andthe network control device.

Non-Transitory Computer readable medium Embodiment 3 A non-transitorycomputer readable medium including computer executable instruction whichwhen executed by a processor of a network control device (e.g. gNB)cause the network control device to perform the steps of: receiving, ata network control device (e.g., a gNB), a first in-device coexistence(IDC) assistance message from a first communications device (e.g., afirst UE) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDCassistance message indicating one or more of: i) preferred new frequencyinformation indicating one or more new frequencies that firstcommunications device would prefer to use in a first frequency band(e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detectedIDC problem relates; or ii) communications device (e.g., UE) poweramplifier characteristic information indicating one or characteristicsof a power amplifier include in the first communications device;selecting (e.g., determining) at the network control device one or morenew frequencies to be used by the first communications device based oninformation included in said first IDC message, said one or newfrequencies selected to be used by the first communications devicediffering in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in saidfirst communications band that were being used by said firstcommunications device when said first communications device detectedsaid in-device coexistence problem; and transmitting a response messageto the first communications device indicating the selected one or morenew frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the firstcommunications device.

Various embodiments are directed to apparatus, e.g., user devices suchas a user equipment (UE) device, e.g., a UE including multiple wirelesstransceivers and supporting communications in the frequency range of52.6 GHz-71 GHz and/or including multiple antenna panels, base stations(macro cell base stations and small cell base stations) such as a gNB,eNB, or ng-eNB, Integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes with UEfunctionality, CBSDs, network network control devices, e.g., gNBs,nodes, HSS devices, relay devices, e.g. MMEs, a SAS, an AMF device,servers, customer premises equipment devices, cable systems, networknodes, gateways, cable headend/hubsites, network monitoringnode/servers, cluster controllers, cloud nodes, production nodes, cloudservices servers and/or network equipment devices.

Various embodiments are also directed to methods, e.g., method ofcontrolling and/or operating user devices (UEs), IAB nodes, networkcontrol devise, e.g., gNBs, base stations, e.g., gNB, eNB and CBSDs,gateways, servers (HSS server), MMEs, SAS, cable networks, cloudnetworks, nodes, servers, cloud service servers, customer premisesequipment devices, controllers, network monitoring nodes/servers and/orcable or network equipment devices. Various embodiments are directed toand well suited for communications systems and/or communicationsnetworks using licensed and/or unlicensed spectrum, e.g. at or above52.6 GHz such as in the frequency range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz, in whichcommunications devices e.g., new radio (NR) UEs equipped with twotransceivers such as IEEE 802.11 ad/ay radio and NR cellular operatingin 52.6 GHz-71 GHz may perceive IDC issues. Various embodiments aredirected to and well suited for communications systems and/orcommunications networks using unlicensed spectrum, e.g. communicationssystems which support Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)communications and/or ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC).Various embodiments are directed to communications network which arepartners, e.g. a MVNO network and a MNO network. Various embodiments arealso directed to machine, e.g., computer, readable medium, e.g., ROM,RAM, CDs, hard discs, etc., which include machine readable instructionsfor controlling a machine to implement one or more steps of a method.The computer readable medium is, e.g., non-transitory computer readablemedium.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses and methods disclosed is an example of exemplary approaches.Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific orderor hierarchy of steps in the processes and methods may be rearrangedwhile remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Theaccompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in asample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order orhierarchy presented. In some embodiments, one or more processors areused to carry out one or more steps of the each of the describedmethods.

In various embodiments each of the steps or elements of a method areimplemented using one or more processors. In some embodiments, each ofelements are steps are implemented using hardware circuitry.

In various embodiments nodes and/or elements described herein areimplemented using one or more components to perform the stepscorresponding to one or more methods, for example, message reception,message generation, signal generation, signal processing, sending,comparing, determining and/or transmission steps. Thus, in someembodiments various features are implemented using components or in someembodiments logic such as for example logic circuits. Such componentsmay be implemented using software, hardware or a combination of softwareand hardware. Many of the above described methods or method steps can beimplemented using machine executable instructions, such as software,included in a machine readable medium such as a memory device, e.g.,RAM, floppy disk, etc. to control a machine, e.g., general purposecomputer with or without additional hardware, to implement all orportions of the above described methods, e.g., in one or more nodes.Accordingly, among other things, various embodiments are directed to amachine-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer readablemedium, including machine executable instructions for causing a machine,e.g., processor and associated hardware, to perform one or more of thesteps of the above-described method(s). Some embodiments are directed toa device, e.g., UE, a IAB node, a network control device such as a basestation, e.g. a gNB, a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station,e.g. a CBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., a gNB, aneNB, a HSS server, a relay device, e.g. a MME, SAS, etc., said deviceincluding a processor configured to implement one, multiple or all ofthe steps of one or more methods of the invention.

In some embodiments, the processor or processors, e.g., CPUs, of one ormore devices, e.g., communications nodes such as e.g., a UE, a IAB node,a network control device, e.g. a base station such as a gNB, MVNO basestation such as a CBRS base station, e.g. a CBSD, an device such as acellular base station e.g., a gNB, eNB, a HSS device server, a relaydevice, e.g. a MME, a SAS, are configured to perform the steps of themethods described as being performed by the communications nodes, e.g.,controllers. The configuration of the processor may be achieved by usingone or more components, e.g., software components, to control processorconfiguration and/or by including hardware in the processor, e.g.,hardware components, to perform the recited steps and/or controlprocessor configuration. Accordingly, some but not all embodiments aredirected to a device, e.g., communications node such as e.g., a networkcontrol device, a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g. aCBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., a gNB, eNB, a HSSserver, a HSS device server, a UE device, a IAB node, a relay device,e.g. a MME, includes a component corresponding to each of one or more ofthe steps of the various described methods performed by the device inwhich the processor is included. In some but not all embodiments adevice, e.g., as e.g., a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station,e.g. a CBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., a gNB, aneNB, a MNO HSS server, a MVNO HSS device server, a UE device, a relaydevice, e.g a MME, includes a controller corresponding to each of thesteps of the various described methods performed by the device in whichthe processor is included. The components may be implemented usingsoftware and/or hardware.

Some embodiments are directed to a computer program product comprising acomputer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readablemedium, comprising code for causing a computer, or multiple computers,to implement various functions, steps, acts and/or operations, e.g. oneor more steps described above.

Depending on the embodiment, the computer program product can, andsometimes does, include different code for each step to be performed.Thus, the computer program product may, and sometimes does, include codefor each individual step of a method, e.g., a method of controlling acontroller or node. The code may be in the form of machine, e.g.,computer, executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium,e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a RAM (RandomAccess Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory) or other type of storage device.In addition to being directed to a computer program product, someembodiments are directed to a processor configured to implement one ormore of the various functions, steps, acts and/or operations of one ormore methods described above. Accordingly, some embodiments are directedto a processor, e.g., CPU, configured to implement some or all of thesteps of the methods described herein. The processor may be for use in,e.g., a communications device such as a network control device, e.g., agNB, a UE, a IAB node, a MNVO base station, e.g., a CBSD, a MNO cellularbase station, e.g., an eNB or a gNB, a HSS server, a UE device, a SAS orother device described in the present application. In some embodimentscomponents are implemented as hardware devices in such embodiments thecomponents are hardware components. In other embodiments components maybe implemented as software, e.g., a set of processor or computerexecutable instructions. Depending on the embodiment the components maybe all hardware components, all software components, a combination ofhardware and/or software or in some embodiments some components arehardware components while other components are software components.

Numerous additional variations on the methods and apparatus of thevarious embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled inthe art in view of the above description. Such variations are to beconsidered within the scope. Numerous additional embodiments, within thescope of the present invention, will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the above description and the claims whichfollow. Such variations are to be considered within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communications method, the method comprising:operating a network control device to monitor for messages; andreceiving, at the network control device, a first in-device coexistence(IDC) assistance message from a first communications device thatdetected an in-device coexistence problem, said first IDC assistancemessage includes preferred new frequency information; and selecting, atthe network control device, one or more new frequencies, said step ofselecting one or more new frequencies including selecting at least onefrequency, indicated in the first IDC assistance message as a preferredfrequency, as one of said new frequencies.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein said first communications device is a first user equipmentdevice (UE) with a WiGig transceiver and a 60 GHz NR-U transceiver; andwherein said first IDC assistance message is a message which was sent inresponse to the first UE detects an in-device coexistence (IDC) problemwith respect to said WiGig transceiver and said 60 GHz NR-U transceiver.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first IDC assistance messageincludes first communications device power amplifier characteristicinformation; and wherein said step of selecting said one or more newfrequencies further includes selecting at least some of one or morefrequencies in a first frequency band to be included in the newfrequencies, based on the power amplifier information included in thefirst IDC message.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first IDCassistance message includes first communications device power amplifiercharacteristic information; and wherein the method further comprises:selecting, at the network control device, one or more new frequencies,said step of selecting one or more new frequencies including selectingat least some of one or more frequencies in a first frequency band to beincluded in the new frequencies, based on the power amplifierinformation included in the first IDC message.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising, prior to the network control device receiving thefirst IDC assistance message: detecting, performed by the firstcommunications device said in-device coexistence problem, said firstcommunications including multiple radio transceivers, at least one ofthe multiple radio transceivers being capable of operating at one ormore frequencies in the first frequency band; generating, in the firstcommunications device, said first IDC assistance message; andtransmitting the first IDC assistance message to the network controldevice.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: operating thefirst communications device to transmit data, using the one or more newfrequencies, to the first network control device for forwarding toanother communications device as part of a communications sessionbetween the first communications device and the another communicationsdevice.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at thenetwork control device, a panel switch message from a secondcommunications device that supports space division multiplexing via theuse of multiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i)a request that the network control device switch the antenna panel beingused, by the second communications device, for uplink communicationsbetween the second communications device and the network control deviceor ii) a notification that the second communications device is switchingthe antenna panel being used, by the second communications device, foruplink communications between the second communications device and thenetwork control device.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the panelswitch message is a second in-device co-exitance (IDC) assistancemessage sent by the second communications device in response todetermining that said second communications device is suffering anin-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHZ.
 9. The methodof claim 8, wherein the panel switch message includes informationindicating one or a set of antenna panels that the second communicationsdevice is recommending switching to.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: deciding, at the network control device, in response toreceiving the switch panel switch message including a request, to switchthe second communications device to a different antenna panel for uplinkcommunications; and transmitting to the second UE a switch instructionwith an indication of the antenna panel to which the second UE is toswitch for uplink communications.
 11. A communications systemcomprising: a network control device including: a wireless receiver; anda first processor configured to: control the network control device to:receive, at the network control device, a first in-device coexistence(IDC) assistance message from a first communications device thatdetected an in-device coexistence problem, said first IDC assistancemessage includes preferred new frequency information; and select, at thenetwork control device, one or more new frequencies, said step ofselecting one or more new frequencies including selecting at least onefrequency, indicated in the first IDC assistance message as a preferredfrequency, as one of said new frequencies.
 12. The communications systemof claim 11, wherein said first communications device is a first userequipment device (UE) with a WiGig transceiver and a 60 GHz NR-Utransceiver; and wherein said first IDC assistance message is a messagewhich was sent in response to the first UE detects an in-devicecoexistence (IDC) problem with respect to said WiGig transceiver andsaid 60 GHz NR-U transceiver.
 13. The communications system of claim 11,wherein the first IDC assistance message further includes UE poweramplifier characteristic information; and wherein said first processoris configured to: select one or more new frequencies including selectingat least some of one or more frequencies in a first frequency band to beincluded in the new frequencies, based on the power amplifierinformation included in the first IDC message.
 14. The communicationssystem of claim 11, wherein the first IDC assistance message indicatesmultiple preferred new frequencies the first communicates device wouldprefer to use in a first frequency band to which the detected IDCproblem relates.
 15. The communications system of claim 11, wherein thefirst frequency band is a New Radio (NR) frequency band that includes52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.
 16. The communications system of claim 11, whereinthe first IDC assistance message further includes UE power amplifiercharacteristic information; and wherein said first processor isconfigured to: select at least some of the one or more frequencies inthe first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies, based onthe power amplifier information included in the first IDC message, aspart of being configured to select said one or more new frequencies. 17.The communications system of claim 11, further comprising: said firstcommunications device, said first communications device including: asecond wireless transmitter; and a second processor; and wherein saidsecond processor is configured to: prior to the network control devicereceiving the first IDC assistance message, operate the firstcommunications device to detect said in-device coexistence problem, saidfirst communications device including multiple radio transceivers, atleast one of the multiple radio transceivers being capable of operatingat one or more frequencies in the first frequency band; generate, in thefirst communications device, said first IDC assistance message; andoperate the second wireless transmitter to transmit the first IDCassistance message to the network control device.
 18. The communicationssystem of claim 11, wherein said second processor is further configuredto: operate the first communications device to transmit data, using theone or more new frequencies, to the first network control device forforwarding to another communications device as part of a communicationssession between the first communications device and the anothercommunications device.
 19. The communications system of claim 11,wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate thenetwork control device to: receive the data transmitted by the firstcommunications device using the one or more new frequencies, from thefirst communications device, and forward the data to the anothercommunications device.
 20. The communications system of claim 11,wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate the firstreceiver to receive, at the network control device, a panel switchmessage from a second communications device that supports space divisionmultiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switchmessage including: i) a request that the network control device switchthe antenna panel being used, by the second communications device, foruplink communications between the second communications device and thenetwork control device or ii) a notification that the secondcommunications device is switching the antenna panel being used, by thesecond communications device, for uplink communications between thesecond communications device and the network control device.